Best Fanny Packs for Hiking
 

Fanny packs may have been considered a fashion faux-pas at one point, but nowadays it seems like we don’t make it a mile down trail without seeing a few hikers rocking one of these versatile little bags. We use them on trail and for travel when we have a lot of small things we want to keep close at hand, and some members of the CleverHiker team even rock a fanny pack around town every day.

We’ve used dozens of different hip packs over the years and have learned that they’re not all created equal. No matter what your needs are, we’ll help you find the absolute best fanny pack for you.

Last updated: March 22, 2023

A hiker wearing the Osprey Tempest Waist pack on a foggy wooded trail

The Osprey Talon (men’s) & Tempest (women’s) are comfortable fanny packs with plenty of storage for a day hike

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite fanny packs, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

A hiker standing on a mountain pass wearing a LiteAF Featherweight Fanny Pack

The LiteAF Featherweight has convenient pockets, weighs next to nothing & comfortable to wear

What’s Most Important to You in a Fanny Pack?

PRICE - There are a ton of basic, affordable fanny packs on the market, but you’ll likely pay a premium price if you want something extra large or waterproof. We recommend great fannies for every budget below.

A view from below looking up at a hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack in a forest

The versatility and low weight of the Patagonia Black Hole Mini make it an excellent value

WEIGHT - Most fanny packs are small and light by design, but we give extra importance to weight when looking for one for backpacking. Keeping your fanny pack lightweight on longer trips will conserve energy and help you feel more balanced on inclines. For day hikes and travel when we don’t want to carry a daypack, we may opt for a larger, heavier fanny pack.

A hiker wearing the Hightail Designs Ultralight Fanny Pack in front of a river

The Ultralight from Hightail Designs is the lightest fanny pack on our list

CAPACITY - For short hikes when you don’t need to pack a lot of extra gear, leaving the daypack at home and opting for a fanny pack instead can be quite freeing. This saves you the hassle of having to take off your backpack every time you need to access your stuff. When we want to keep things more compact and streamlined for backpacking, we typically go with a smaller fanny pack between 1 and 2.5L.

A hiker sitting on a rock pulling a hiking guidebook out of the Mountainsmith Tour fanny pack

the Mountainsmith Tour is large enough to hold all of your essentials for day hikes

WATERPROOF - We prefer to have a waterproof fanny pack for backpacking and hiking. Waterproof fabrics are more spendy, but we find the peace of mind they provide is well worth the cost. If you choose to go with a non-waterproof fanny pack, we recommend bringing along a gallon Ziploc or two to protect your belongings in inclement weather.

A hiker wearing the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Fanny Pack in front of a mountain view

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa is made with waterproof dyneema fabric, waterproof zippers & has taped seams

Sortable Fanny Pack Comparison Table

Fanny PackPriceWeightCapacityBest Use
1. Patagonia Black Hole Mini$352.8 oz.1.0 LAll around
2. LiteAF Featherweight$45*2.4 oz.1.0 LBackpacking
3. Matador Freerain$604.0 oz.2.0 LBackpacking/hiking/watersports
4. Cotopaxi Bataan$32.504.0 oz.3.0 LBackpacking/all around
5. Osprey Talon$9014.0 oz.6.0 LHiking
6. Jansport Fifth Avenue$224.1 oz.2.5 LCasual
7. HMG Versa$794.2 oz.2.25 LBackpacking
8. Kavu Spectator$254.6 oz.1.0 LCasual
9. Thrupack Summit Bum Classic$50*3.7 oz.2.5 LBackpacking
10. Hightail Designs The Ultralight$62*1.8 oz.1.0 LBackpacking
11. Tinyat Travel$12*3.8 oz.1.0 LCasual
12. Mountainsmith Tour$9027.5 oz.9.0 LHiking

*price varies with fabric/customization

Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2023

BEST FANNY PACK OVERALL

MSRP: $32.50

MEASURED WEIGHT: 4 oz.

CAPACITY: 3L

BEST USE: All-around, but we really love it for backpacking

PROS: Excellent weight-to-capacity ratio, spacious, excellent value, secure front stretch pocket, water-resistant

CONS: Can’t pick your colorway

BOTTOM LINE: The Cotopaxi Bataan is a truly unique fanny pack. Each one has a unique colorway designed using off-cuts of scrap fabric to reduce waste - which we can all get behind! While the hodge-podge of bright colors won’t appeal to everyone, we think they’re completely cool and love rocking our one-of-a-kind fanny on trail. 

The other major standout of the Bataan is its impressive weight-to-capacity ratio. At 3 L, this is one of the largest backpacking fanny packs on our list - and it feels even larger than the numbers imply. Its weight is on par with fannies that have about half the capacity, and it’s priced lower than anything comparable. 

We love sporting our unique Bataan on the trail, and we’re constantly blown away by how many snacks and small items we’re able to fit in it.

BEST SMALL-CAPACITY FANNY PACK

MSRP: $35

MEASURED WEIGHT: 2.8 oz.

CAPACITY: 1L

BEST USE: All around

PROS: Excellent value, ultralight, versatile, durable, compact, water-resistant, stylish

CONS: Small capacity

BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Black Hole Mini has been one of our favorite fannies for many years due to its compact size, comfort, and stylish design. This versatile hip pack is streamlined enough for backpacking and good-looking enough for travel and everyday use, so it’s a great choice for those looking for a bag that can do it all. Despite having only one liter of capacity, the Black Hole feels much more spacious and fits all of our small essentials for hiking and day-to-day use. Just keep in mind that the Black Hole isn’t waterproof, so you’ll want to line it with a Ziploc if you’ll be hiking with it in inclement weather. That said, the low weight and practical design of the Black Hole make it an excellent value for those wanting a fanny pack that’s just as useful on trail as it is around town.

BEST ULTRALIGHT FANNY PACK FOR BACKPACKING

MSRP: starts at $46 (depends on fabric)

MEASURED WEIGHT: 2.4 oz.

CAPACITY: 1L

BEST USE: Backpacking

PROS: Ultralight, compact, highly water-resistant, excellent value, secure front stretch pocket

CONS: Small capacity, slightly less durable than some

BOTTOM LINE: The LiteAF Featherweight is one of the lightest fanny packs on our list, and the compact design keeps essentials close at hand but out of the way. We particularly love the front stretch pouch on this fanny because it’s convenient for quick access to stuff we need often, and tight enough to keep items secure. We typically stash our phone in the front pocket, so we can access it easily when we wanna snap a photo or check our navigation app. The thin material and minimal zipper hardware make this fanny a little less durable than others, but these features are also what make it ridiculously light. If you don’t mind being a bit careful with your gear, the thoughtful design of the Featherweight will add a ton of convenience to your backpacking setup.

BEST WATERPROOF FANNY PACK

MSRP: $60

MEASURED WEIGHT: 4 oz.

CAPACITY: 2L

BEST USE: Backpacking/hiking & watersports

PROS: Fully waterproof, versatile, lightweight, compact, durable, large capacity for the weight

CONS: Thin strap can be uncomfortable with heavier loads

BOTTOM LINE: We’ve been using the Matador Freerain Hip Pack for a long time now, and it’s proven to be infinitely useful for daily life and all kinds of adventures. This pack is fully waterproof, so you can keep your phone and other essentials safe but convenient. We’ve worn the Freerain Pack for everything from hiking in the rain to creek wading, paddleboarding, floating the river – even swimming! The sleek and sporty style looks great on anyone, and you can wear it two ways – at the waist or cross-body. What we like most about this pack is that it’s so lightweight and minimal that you can barely tell you’re wearing it, yet it can expand to fit a small water bottle or a windbreaker when you need it to. To top it off, the Freerain is an excellent value for an ultralight, waterproof fanny pack.

BEST FANNY PACK FOR DAY HIKING

MSRP: $90

MEASURED WEIGHT: 14 oz. 

CAPACITY: 6L

BEST USE: Hiking

PROS: Large capacity, good organization, comfortable

CONS: Expensive, heavy, bulky, not as versatile as some

BOTTOM LINE: Tired of having to take off your backpack and dig around every time you need a small item on day hikes? Ditch the daypack and go with the Osprey Talon (men’s)/Tempest (women’s). This large-capacity fanny pack has plenty of space for essentials on fair-weather hikes when you don’t have to worry about packing bulky layers. There are two water bottle sleeves, a large main compartment, hip pockets, and a front pocket that will keep your items well organized and easily accessible. If you’re familiar with Osprey’s backpacks, then you’ll already know how comfortable and breathable they are. The Talon and Tempest feature the same padding and breathable back panel, so they’ll stay comfortable during long days on trail.

BEST BUDGET FANNY PACK

MSRP: $22 (different colors/patterns may cost more)

MEASURED WEIGHT: 4.1 oz.

CAPACITY: 2.5L

BEST USE: Casual/everyday

PROS: Affordable, durable, good organization

CONS: Thin strap can be uncomfortable with heavier loads

BOTTOM LINE: For casual use, you’d be hard-pressed to find a higher quality fanny pack than the Jansport Fifth Avenue at this price point. This bag is built with the same durable materials and built-to-last construction that you remember from your grade school backpack. We love the simple, yet effective pocket design - one large main compartment and a generously sized front zipper compartment keep your items well organized and easy to access. The Fifth Avenue isn’t weather-resistant, so it’s not the best choice for longer hikes or areas with unpredictable weather. But for strolls to the park and everyday use, it’s one of the best and most affordable options available.

BEST BLEND OF SPACE, LOW WEIGHT & WATER-RESISTANCE

MSRP: $79

MEASURED WEIGHT: 4.2 oz.

CAPACITY: 2.25L

BEST USE: Backpacking

PROS: Highly water-resistant, versatile, lightweight, durable, large capacity for the weight

CONS: Expensive, a bit bulky

BOTTOM LINE: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa is a seriously adaptable fanny pack that can be worn in several different ways to suit your needs. We wear it as a crossbody bag around town, attached to our hipbelt or sternum strap for backpacking, and around the waist for travel and day hikes. The Dyneema (DCF) material makes the Versa pretty spendy, but this fabric is waterproof and will keep your important items protected in inclement weather. DCF also has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, so the Versa is an excellent choice for those wanting a durable fanny pack that keeps weight to a minimum. Check out our full review of the Versa here.

STYLISH FANNY PACK FOR EVERYDAY USE

MSRP: $25

MEASURED WEIGHT: 4.6 oz.

CAPACITY: 1L

BEST USE: Casual/everyday

PROS: Durable, excellent value, stylish, streamlined pockets

CONS: Dries slowly, not as versatile as some

BOTTOM LINE: We love the value-priced KAVU Spectator for its streamlined design and 90s-esque styling. This small waist pack is made with extra durable 600-denier polyester, so it’s perfect for the demands of everyday use. Because the body fabric isn’t waterproof and doesn’t dry as quickly as others, we don’t recommend the Spectator for any rigorous hiking. But it works well for jaunts on trails in city parks, and then it transitions seamlessly back to town life afterward.

COMFY & CUSTOMIZABLE FANNY PACK

MSRP: $50

MEASURED WEIGHT: 3.7 oz.

CAPACITY: 2.5L

BEST USE: Backpacking

PROS: Fully customizable, great value, good balance of capacity-to-weight, excellent organization, highly water-resistant, versatile

CONS: Strap can be a little hard to tighten since it’s not fixed, can be a bit frumpy when packed with heavier items

BOTTOM LINE: The Thrupack Summit Bum Classic has an excellent balance of low weight to storage capacity. The classic version has 2.5L of storage, but you can use the custom Thrupack builder to go larger or smaller depending on your needs. There are a ton of colors and patterns to personalize the look of your fanny pack, which is just plain fun. One option we definitely recommend is the Comfy Strap. The Summit Bum itself is well padded and is already one of the most comfy fannies on our list, but this strap upgrade really ups the ante. 

MINIMAL ULTRALIGHT FANNY PACK

MSRP: starts at $62 (depends on pattern)

MEASURED WEIGHT: 1.8 oz.

CAPACITY: 1L

BEST USE: Backpacking

PROS: Ultralight, highly water-resistant, lots of color/pattern options

CONS: Zipper corners make it hard to open/close with one hand

BOTTOM LINE: The Hightail Designs Ultralight Fanny Pack is awesomely minimal and delightfully stylish. There’s not much going on with this fanny pack, and we like it that way. Some fannies are chock full of zippered pockets and hidden compartments, making it easy to lose track of small items. The Ultralight has just one large compartment with a small foldover pocket on the inside for isolating items you don’t need during your hike, like a wallet or a house key. We also love that it’s pretty dang waterproof, the thin strap sits comfortably under a backpack, and the capacity is just right for a smartphone, some snacks, and other small necessities.

AFFORDABLE & COMPACT FANNY PACK

MSRP: about $13

MEASURED WEIGHT: 3.8 oz.

CAPACITY: about 1L

BEST USE: Casual/everyday

PROS: Affordable, lots of color/pattern options, useful pockets

CONS: Oblong shape may make it hard to fit larger items, small capacity

BOTTOM LINE: If affordability is your main concern, you won’t find a better deal than the TINYAT Travel Fanny Pack. This sleek waist pack comes in a huge variety of fun colors and patterns and is best suited to travel and casual use. The oblong shape of the TINYAT makes it comfortable and manageable, but it somewhat limits versatility if you have bulkier items (like a large power bank) to tote. That said, we find the pockets of this pack to be very convenient - particularly the zippered back pocket that sits against your body which can be used to conceal sensitive items, like credit cards and a passport during travel.

DURABLE HIKING FANNY PACK WITH A LARGE CAPACITY

MSRP: $90

MEASURED WEIGHT: 1 lb. 9 oz.

CAPACITY: 9L

BEST USE: Hiking

PROS: Large capacity, good organization, comfortable padding

CONS: Heavy, bulky, expensive, might be too large for some to wear comfortably, not as versatile as some

BOTTOM LINE: The Mountainsmith Tour is a beast of a fanny pack that can haul a ton of stuff. It’s almost as large as some of our favorite daypacks, so it may be the only bag you need for hitting the trail. It has a ton of organizational pockets, two water bottle holsters, and a heavily padded harness for maximum comfort when carrying heavier loads. That said, this fanny is quite bulky, so folks with a petite build may find it a little too large to carry comfortably. Still, we think the Tour works well for day hikers who prefer to have all of their items accessible at their waist rather than having to take off and rummage through a backpack.

Waist level view of a hiker wearing the Cotopaxi Bataan fanny pack with a rocky wall in the background

The Cotopaxi Bataan has a ton of room inside for holding bulkier items

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

A hiker walking down a trail wearing the Thru Pack Summit Bum Fanny Pack

The Thrupack Summit Bum Classic can be customized to match your style

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

A hiker pulling a power bank out of the LiteAF Featherweight fanny pack

The LiteAF Featherweight is very thoughtfully designed with useful pockets & low weight

More Information

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks.

Thanks for reading and happy trails!

A hiker wearing the Hightail Designs Ultralight fanny pack on a trail in a forest

The Ultralight from Hightail Designs is the perfect size for carrying all our small essentials without getting in the way

 
Featured
About the Author
About the Author

Casey Handley is an avid backpacker and self-described gear nerd. She’s hiked thousands of miles on long distance trails across the country including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and Long Trail. The crinkle of a new Dyneema tent, the smell of Doug fir trees, and shaving an ounce off her pack weight are a few of her favorite things.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.